2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance. Intricate headlight and taillight elements, along with dark chrome trim, added a touch of sophistication. The Activ and RS models featured unique styling elements, with the Activ boasting a rugged look and the RS adopting a sportier, boy-racer aesthetic. Contrasting roofs in red, black, or white further enhanced the Trailblazer's distinctive and retro look.

Inside, the Trailblazer Activ test car showcased a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim with gray seat inserts added personality to the otherwise black interior. Design touches like grab handles around the center console and the creased look of the dashboard and air vents made the cabin distinctive, even if it didn’t scream “outdoor adventure.”

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being the all-new addition aimed at moderate off-roading. During a test drive west of Atlanta, it was clear that the Z71 wasn’t meant for extreme off-roading but could handle reasonably rugged terrain. Pricing for the Traverse ranged from $38,995 for the LS to $55,595 for the top-of-the-line RS model. The Z71 model, starting at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior livened up by "Torch Red" accents.

The Z71 test vehicle had standard cloth seats, which were comfortable and breathable, though synthetic leather seating was available for an additional $1,000. The power-operated driver’s seat made finding the perfect seating position easy, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable, which was surprising given the starting price.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be had with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Trailblazer Activ test car had AWD, the nine-speed automatic, and the 1.3-liter engine. The throttle response was better in the Trailblazer compared to the Buick Encore GX, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. However, the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model’s dampers, tuned for better performance on gravel roads, worked well on pavement, though there was some uncomfortable bouncing over certain road imperfections. The Trailblazer had a selectable AWD system, requiring manual engagement, unlike most competitors that do this automatically. It also featured Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode didn’t make a noticeable difference.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. AWD was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system for better grip in slippery conditions.

During a test drive on highways and twisty country roads, the Traverse’s acceleration and passing power were more than acceptable. The exhaust had a nice growl during acceleration, and the steering was adequate for normal driving, though the vehicle’s length was noticeable. The ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71’s all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. EPA estimates for fuel economy ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the FWD Limited, to 17/25/20 for the AWD Limited.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs on sale, offered decent utility. It was 3.4 inches wider and about an inch taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a wheelbase about three inches longer. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos on front and rear headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. However, the rear seats had relatively flat cushions, making long road trips less comfortable. Cargo space was 25.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded, respectable but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer’s towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the base LS model, while the LT, Z71, and RS models had second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to seven. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and the power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to approximately 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse had numerous storage nooks, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Outward visibility was mostly positive, though the third row felt a bit claustrophobic. The Z71 test vehicle had a power-operated driver’s seat but a manually adjustable front passenger seat.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, with large, easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on every model, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display could be configured to show various information and vehicle functions. The infotainment system ran on Google-based software, with intuitive voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the center console held the phone securely during cornering. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominently placed. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, for the first time, expanding its functionality to pre-mapped single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of the test drive. However, it came with a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera.